Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining smoky Andouille sausage with a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with Cajun spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it features tender pasta cooked right in the sauce along with sautéed bell peppers and onions for a vibrant, hearty dinner finished with fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 10 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into thin rounds
- 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds and chop the bell peppers and onions. Measure out the Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to have everything ready.
- Cook the Sausage and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and sauté until nicely browned. Remove the sausage and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the diced bell peppers and onions until softened and fragrant.
- Create the Base: Add the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper to the sautéed vegetables and stir well. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly into the simmering broth. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the flavors, about 10-12 minutes. Add more broth or water if needed to ensure the pasta cooks fully.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and combined, creating a creamy sauce. If using, stir in fresh spinach at this stage and cook until wilted.
- Return the Sausage: Add the cooked sausage back into the pot and mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients and warm through.
- Serve and Garnish: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes for additional flavor if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage for any preferred sausage variety like chorizo or smoked kielbasa.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity or omit it for less heat.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add fresh spinach for extra nutrition and color, or substitute with kale or other greens.
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
